Former Bishops Diocesan College teacher Fiona Viotti has been booked into a psychiatric facility after news of her alleged sexual affair with a matric pupil at the larney school came to light.
It has also emerged the disgraced water polo coach and history teacher, who is married, has allegedly had sexual relationships with four other boys, aged 17 and 18, at the Rondebosch school.
The matric pupils are also getting help from psychologists and psychiatrists as they prepare for their final exams.
Viotti’s defence attorney, William Booth, said the allegations had taken a toll on his client and she was admitted to a clinic at the weekend, reports the Cape Times.
“My client has sought counselling and is now under medical care. I have told Bishops that we are willing to co-operate,” said Booth.
“There are no criminal charges against my client as she has not committed any crime.”
BAD LIGHT: Bishops Diocesan College in larney Rondebosch
Meanwhile, videos of Viotti which she allegedly sent to her pupils and made its way onto international porn site pornhub.com, have been removed.
A visit to the site says the clips, which shows the 32-year-old touching her private parts, “has been removed at the request of the copyrighted owner”.
Booth could not be reached on Monday but previously said: “As far as the video and pictures are concerned, it’s a criminal offence to distribute such material or to allow it to be placed on a site without permission.
“We are investigating as to how this happened and who is responsible. Anyone who has acted contrary to the law governing such conduct can be criminally prosecuted.
A sexual misconduct inquiry, headed by attorney Graeme Dorrington and senior advocate Francois van Zyl, began on Friday.
It started with an interview with headmaster Guy Pearson and will be followed by interviews with alleged victims, staff and others who knew Viotti.
Viotti’s alleged sexual relationship with an 18-year-old matric pupil came to light on 11 October, and she resigned that same day.
BAD LIGHT: Bishops Diocesan College in larney Rondebosch
The scandal escalated as kaalgat pictures and videos went viral on social media, and it emerged that more boys were involved after Pearson urged pupils to come forward with information in order for them to receive support and to assist with the investigation.
“We have confirmed there have been several boys who have been affected over a number of years. This matter is under investigation by duly appointed attorneys and senior counsel,” he said.
“Given the sensitivities of the matter, we do not wish to respond until the investigation is complete and we have received their report.”
Former Bishops Diocesan College teacher Fiona Viotti has been booked into a psychiatric facility. File photo